Chapter 5: The Day Everyone Turned
The morning air was unusually thick.
Not in a weather kind of way.
More like something wrong was in the air, pressing against Katsumi's skin like a damp, invisible blanket.
He walked toward the school gate, hands tucked in his pockets, as usual.
But today wasn't usual.
Today felt off.
Because as he stepped through the gate, a hundred eyes turned toward him.
And none of them were kind.
Whispers, sneers, quiet laughter—he felt it all brush against his neck like cold wind. No one said anything to his face, not yet, but they didn't need to.
Their eyes said enough.
Ew.
It's him.
Gross.
What…?
What was this?
Katsumi's steps slowed slightly—but he forced himself forward. Maybe he was overthinking. Maybe it was just a coincidence.
Yeah. Just… overthinking.
He tried to walk faster.
But it only got worse.
---
The hallways were louder.
And harsher.
His name wasn't said in friendly tones anymore. It hissed like poison under people's breath.
"Did you hear what he did?"
"Seriously? To her? Ugh."
"What a piece of—"
He kept walking.
Eyes forward.
Acting like he didn't hear anything.
But he did.
Every word stuck to his back like needles.
---
When he reached his classroom, his hands trembled as he slid the door open.
Silence.
Everyone turned.
He walked in, pretending not to notice.
Pretending not to hear the whispers.
Until he reached his desk.
And stopped.
The surface was covered in black ink, marker, scratches carved deep into the wood.
> Scumbag.
Loser.
You don't deserve her.
Hope you rot.
Go die.
His eyes widened.
It was like the desk had been soaked in venom overnight.
He stood there, frozen.
He didn't understand.
He hadn't done anything wrong.
He was quiet. He minded his own business. He didn't even talk to most of these people.
So why?
What had changed between yesterday and today?
What happened in just one night?
Why was everyone treating him like a criminal?
Like a monster?
His heart raced. His breathing got shallow.
He sat down slowly, like the chair might break beneath him.
His mind buzzed with one terrifying question:
What did she do?